Former Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross, who has been out of the NFL since 2021, has been invited to try out with the Philadelphia Eagles at their rookie minicamp this week.
Ross was well known for holding the title of the “fastest man at the NFL combine” until early March when Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy claimed the title from him with a blazing 4.21 40-yard dash.
During his time on Montlake, he missed the 2015 season after an ACL tear during spring camp, but returned in 2016 with a historic year, reeling in 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns. He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft after it was discovered he had a torn labrum in his shoulder, which he suffered during the 2016 Peach Bowl in a loss to Alabama.
Ross was selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2017 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and spent four seasons with them before signing as a free agent with the New York Giants. During his five seasons in the league he amassed 62 receptions for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In January 2023, he signed a futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs but in July, Ross announced he was retiring. It appears this invite has enticed him to reconsider his future.
The NFL’s new rules on kickoff returns could be very well suited for Ross’ skill set, since every player on the kicking team other than the kicker will now line up with at least one foot on the returning team’s 40-yard line.
If he makes the team, Ross could display his elite speed once again at Lincoln Financial Field this season.
Former #Bengals and #Giants WR John Ross, whose 4.22 40-yard dash was the Combine record until Xavier Worthy broke it this year, will participate in the #Eagles’ rookie camp this week on a tryout basis, sources say. Ross had retired last year but is now exploring a comeback. pic.twitter.com/eGk7qyzemS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 28, 2024